How to Brush a Retainer

It's a glorious day when your braces are finally removed by the orthodontist. However, corrected teeth are prone to shifting once the strong bits of steel are removed. To prevent this, retainers are issued to each patient. Most retainers consist of a hard plastic plate, molded to the top or bottom of the mouth, and a steel wire which holds the teeth in place. Without proper cleansing, retainers can become a hotbed for bacteria.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bristled brush
• Toothpaste
• Small bowl
• Antiseptic rinse
• Plastic storage case

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Instructions

• 1

  Run your retainer under a cool faucet, so all parts of the retainer are soaked with water.

• 2

  Dispense a small bead of toothpaste onto a plastic bristled brush. Though a toothbrush can be used, you may wish to use a separate brush for retainer cleaning.

• 3

  Scrub the top and bottom of the plastic plate vigorously, reaching every nook and edge of the retainer. Also scrub the steel wiring. Rinse the retainer with cool water.

• 4

  Fill a small bowl with antiseptic rinse. There should be enough rinse in the bowl to fully submerge the retainer. Place the retainer into the rinse and allow it to soak for 30 seconds.

• 5

  Remove the retainer, rinse with cool water and shake dry. Insert the retainer into your mouth or place it in a plastic storage case for safe keeping.